Freedom Of Information

What is Freedom of Information?

The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act came into effect on 21 April, 1998 and was amended on 11 April, 2003 by the Freedom of Information (Amendment) Act 2003.

Under FOI you have a right to:

access records held by a Government department or certain public bodies

request correction of personal information relating to you held by a Government department or certain public bodies where it is inaccurate, incomplete or misleading

obtain reasons for a decision made by a Government department or certain public bodies where the decision affects you

What records can I ask for under FOI?

You can ask for the following records held by a department or certain bodies:

any records relating to you personally, whenever created

all other records created after 21 April, 1998

A ‘record’ can be a paper document, information held on computer, printouts, maps, plans, microfilm, microfiche, audio-visual material, etc.

You do not have to give a reason as to why you want access to particular records, and the Government department or body concerned must give you an explanation if it refuses you access to any record that you have looked for. A decision on your FOI application must normally be made within 20 working days.
For more comprehensive information on Freedom of Information including the text of the FOI Acts, please visit the FOI Central Policy Unit website at www.foi.gov.ie.

Contact details

Arising from the division of responsibilities between the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs and the Minister for Justice and Equality (please see About Us) requests under the FOI Acts should now be forwarded to the relevant areas, as follows:

All requests under the FOI Acts in relation to:

The National Youth Justice Strategy; Children Detention Schools at Oberstown, Lusk, Co. Dublin and related issues under the Children Act 2001 should be forwarded to: